Batman day was celebrated this month with a bunch of sales and a free special issue. But what else made September super?
DC solicits revealed a slew of cancellations (though the publisher is saying that Doomed and Lost Army were always intended as 6 issue minis). In addition we learned of the coming end of Genevieve Valentine’s stellar run on Catwoman. In reaction to this news I checked out the author’s novels, and was knocked out. Valentine is one hell of a writer and I’ll be on board for whatever future projects she’s involved with
In addition... Sandman Overture came to a close (I’m trade waiting on it)
Highlights? I thought Harley had a solid Sept (which included a Road Trip Special to go with her ongoing title (#20), and the miniseries teaming with Power Girl), and I continue to enjoy JLU, Constantine and others. On the negative - while I’ve liked the Superman/Truth crossover, Clark’s whininess in Supes/WW and problems with the other issues, put a damper on my enthusiasm for it this month.
Image continues to rock my world, even without issues from Velvet, East of West and Trees. Happily, Invisible Republic and Manhattan Projects returned after a short break, Nameless after a long one. And I enjoyed the début of Lemire and Lenox’s Plutona.
Unhappily, Ed Brubaker broke my heart with the surprising news that The Fade Out will wrap up with the 12th issue. Surprising because it was such a slow brewing story that I was expected it to go on for years. The ever experimental Wicked + the Divine, which is going through characters like water, seems more like a comic that could end soon (but isn’t).
From Other Publishers: The first issue of Dynamite’s Alice Cooper vs. Chaos mini was released (this A.C. fan was pleased with it). And Dark Horse launched The Paybacks, from the creative team that delivered the wonderful Buzzkill.
Comics & Supers on TV: The new season is kicking into gear. I caught the openers for Gotham and Heroes Reborn, and enjoyed them both.
Written by Mairghread Scott
Art and Colors by Kelly & Nichole Scott
This mini re-tells Shakespeare’s Macbeth from the point of view of the 3 witches. Since I know how the story goes, there’s little tension in the tale (though the promise of conflict from within could deliver some surprises later on), but it’s well told, and I was drawn into the relationship and personalities of the 3 women. Art is cartoonish, figure work is rather stiff, though there’s some great design work. Magic is nicely rendered.
Written by Mark Russell
Art by Dominike Stanton * Colors by Jeremy Lawson
One of the bits of graffiti on that stellar cover reads, "solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant" - a quote attributed to Calgacus by historian Tacitus which translates to, "They make a desert, and call it peace." (To read line in full click… https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Calgacus) which sums up this issue nicely. The fill-in artist doesn’t manage the narrative jump cuts as well as Ben Caldwell, so it’s not as smooth visually. But we still get a razor sharp script that makes its pointed critiques of the American political landscape (especially in matters of war), in addition to further showing Beth’s humanity and concern.
Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick & Kelly Thompson
Art by Laura Braga with Paolo Pantalena * Colors by Lee Loughridge
Kelly Sue DeConnick (with some help from some talented folk) wraps up her remarkable run with a story that exemplifies all that Carol stands for. We see her courage, heart, intelligence and the thirst to explore, to fight for and discover the truth on her own terms. Captain Marvel was a special title for me - DeConnick made Carol a hero I admired and respected, and for that she has my eternal love.
Written by Jason Aaron
Art by Mike Del Mundo * Colors by Del Mundo & Marco D’alfonso
Best issue in this series to date. The art had more clarity this time out, and looked gorgeous (that cover was superb too). I loved the Swamp Queen and what she said of Weirdworld being the place where lost things go. But what grabbed me and put a lump in my throat was seeing the ever determined Akron finally lose hope, when he is so close to his destination.
Written by Ray Fawkes
Art and Colors by Juan Ferreyra
Holy hell, the shit has hit the fan! This issue offers lots of spooky weirdness and an intense interrogation scene that ends with a BOOM! Fawkes is a writer who excels at exploring the philosophical aspects in a story, the gray areas. And Ferreyra’s art is incredible, his Spectre is truly terrifying. It stinks that it’s getting cancelled - I know Corrigan will be around somewhere, but I hope Drake (my favorite character) and the rest don’t simply fade away.
Written by Gail Simone
Art by Walter Geovani * Colors by Vinicius Andrade
A fitting end to Simone’s sensational run. While Sonja is an established figure, whose personality and style is pretty well a given, Gail managed to breathe new life into her: By showing her familiar blustery, sword slinging side as well as allowing for growth and development in other areas (here we see her learn to write).
Written by Genevieve Valentine
Art by David Messina* Colors by Lee Loughridge
I felt last month’s issue was stuffed with too many plot threads, and feared that the main conflict had stalled. But this one gets everything back on track. It's an explosive issue that upends everything for everybody. And if Black Mask didn’t have a target painted on his head before, he certainly does now. A somber Selina makes some changes, while Killer Croc makes a welcome cameo appearance and throws in his two cents.
Written by Greg Rucka
Art by Michael Lark * Colors by Santi Arcas
I am impressed with the creative synergy here: Rucka writes a scientifically dense political drama, with character work that is thoughtful and real. Michael Lark delivers cinematic visuals that are detailed and expressive. I admire the juxtaposed contrasts seen throughout (The sterile medical facility with the raw war scenes in a blizzard. A calculated confident character, with one who is beleaguered and panicked). And when Forever awakens, the explosion of confusion, pain and anger is tangible; it reaches through the page and smacks you in the face. All told this is a brilliantly crafted comic from a creative team at their peak.
Written by Warren Ellis
Art by Delcan Shalvey * Colors by Jordie Bellaire
Ellis is some kind of mad God alchemist genius. And he’s made me more afraid and paranoid of the internet than ever before, because his cast has unwittingly injected a killer into the machine. There are times when I struggle to grasp the concepts –the fusion of magic and science (sound that can alter reality) – and by the end I am left exhausted and exhilarated and filled with awe.
Written by Cullen Bunn
Art and Colors by Tyler Crook
This eerie folk tale slows down in order to take stock of our characters and the state of their lives in the aftermath of the big showdown last issue. While things are calmer, Emmy is wrestling with who she is and what she’s to do now - and the awareness that storm clouds are ever present... as we see in that last page. Bunn's dialog is like poetry and Crook’s folksy art suits this series to a T, he really brings this place, the people and creatures to life.
Written by Ed Brubaker
Art by Sean Phillips * Colors by Elizabeth Breitweiser
Charlie and Gil’s back-story shows them to be pretty sad and broken people. They’ve hurt themselves and others, and now they are foolhardily going after their sicko bosses... which is another thing that’s likely going to end badly for them. But as Gil says, "I don’t care if we win. I just want them to lose." Brubaker is in top form with this Hollywood Noir, and his partners in crime are no slouches.
Written by Grant Morrison
Art by Chris Burnham * Colors by Nathan Fairbairn
And speaking of mad God alchemist geniuses... Morrison and Burnham blew my mind wide open, as Nameless takes the top spot as my favorite comic of the month. This is a more grounded issue (well, as grounded as something like this can be) as it reveals itself to be a terrifying, grotesque take on God, creation and the origin of hell.
Other Favorites: The Beauty #2, 1602: Witch Hunter Angela #3, A-Force #4, Gotham Academy #10, We Are Robin #4
Grant Morrison (Nameless)
Chris Burnham & Nathan Fairbairn (Nameless)
with a nod to Michael Lark (Lazarus) and Joëlle Jones (Mockingbird)
Art Panels of the Month
Prez never fails to make me laugh
Nice quiet page, with Damian regretting past actions (Robin: Son of Batman)
To Oct 2015
Back to Aug 2015
Head Writer, wide awake nightmare... bids you salutations citizens of Earth!
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